The All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa (ATDF-ASA) has strongly criticised the South African Police Service (SAPS) following the arrest of their secretary general and two other individuals during a protest on the N3 southbound near Bergville.

According to ATDF-ASA, the demonstration was a peaceful 'go-slow' industrial action with no violence or disruption, and the situation only escalated upon the arrival of police.The union claims officers fired live rounds without cause, creating panic and risking the lives of participants.Evidence cited includes bullet holes found on one of the truck containers at the scene.

Conversely, SAPS maintains that officers intervened after observing people allegedly stopping trucks, fleeing the scene, and abandoning a bakkie containing a banner and stones.

The arrested individuals, including the secretary general, were linked to the abandoned vehicle and a separate incident involving a bus allegedly stoned near Colenso.

ATDF-ASA disputes these claims, stating that the arrests occurred after the group returned peacefully to retrieve the bakkie and condemns what they view as excessive use of force.The union has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the police’s conduct during the protest.